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Linn County drug court graduates grateful to leave ‘downhill slide’ behind
The program provides ‘structure, guidance and accountability’
Dec. 23, 2025 11:28 am, Updated: Dec. 23, 2025 12:00 pm
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CEDAR RAPIDS — Jeremy Haines started drinking when he was 14 years old and alcohol took him down a “long dark road,” he said, allowing him to be “crazy and do terrible things,” which led to multiple jail sentences and more serious prison time.
Haines, 41, of Cedar Rapids, admitted to having a “hefty rap sheet” that includes numerous convictions for drunken driving, eluding, assaults, burglaries and probation violations. He said one day he looked in the mirror and realized he’d become a person he didn’t want to be, but couldn’t stop.
He was never sober, except when he was working. As soon as he clocked out, he started drinking. Haines said he went two years being drunk 24/7 and he was only completely sober when serving three years in prison.
Last year, when he was charged with busting into a man’s home, assaulting him and then threatening to shoot police officers, he had a chance to go to Linn County Drug Treatment Court, instead of prison. He waited a year to get into drug court.
As he walked across the stage last week during drug court graduation, Haines said he felt grateful to the drug court team for giving him structure, guidance and accountability. He has been sober for over a year.
Dallas Clark, 29, of Cedar Rapids, also had only experienced sobriety while being in jail before he joined the program. He started using drugs at 18, recreational at first, but it took over his life as his drug habit evolved and he started using substances like methamphetamine and fentanyl. His drug use led to him committing numerous burglaries and thefts.
He was in and out of jail over the years, usually pleading to lesser charges and receiving probation, but he violated probation numerous times. When he pleaded to burglary and other charges last year, he was given a choice of going to prison or entering drug court.
Clark said initially, he didn’t take drug court seriously. It took about five months for him to want to change the “downhill slide.” He did relapse while in drug court and was sent to jail, which changed his mind. Clark said it was the first time he went to jail sober and it was an “eye-opener” and much different from when he was high. He knew he didn’t want to go back.
Haines and Clark were two of six drug court participants who graduated last week from the Linn County program, Ashley Buol, probation/parole officer with court team, said. The court started in 2007 to allow offenders to get substance abuse treatment while under court supervision — instead of being sentenced to jail or prison time. The program uses incentives, sanctions and resources to help motivate the participants.
Only offenders who commit non-violent felonies or aggravated misdemeanors that stem from substance abuse are eligible for the program. The defense attorney and prosecutor on the team make referrals, and then the entire team evaluates offenders to decide who should be accepted into the program.
The court team consists of a judge, county attorney, defense lawyer, drug/treatment court coordinator, probation officers, substance abuse treatment provider and mental health treatment provider.
The court has graduated over 100 participants since it started, Buol said. The program was initially funded through grants but the Iowa Department of Corrections now provides the funding.
Both Clark and Haines said the drug court program only works if the participants are willing to change and take advantage of treatment classes and resources.
“But you have to tell the truth and be honest about what’s happening,” Clark said. “I did the therapy and treatment. I tried any resource. I also had support from family and the ambition to be better. I’m excited and nervous about the future, but ready.”
Haines said he also took advantage of the multiple classes and programs offered by the court, and family support helped him.
“This is a good place to help you start your life and build a foundation, but you have to be motivated and look at everything as an opportunity. I’m grateful every day.”
Trish Mehaffey covers state and federal courts for The Gazette
Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com
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